new member would like some info

[robert schnoering]

hi everyone, like alot of people I joined for some help on an old gun.I retired and finialy got some time to do the things I put off for 40 years.I have an old hammer double with damascus barrels and an english stock made in 1877 by the numbers.bar dated april 11 1876 02 on the lug flat also marked 526 -48.modest engraving, but the barell almost looks engraved the whole way.#14397 There is some kind of sheild on the top of the stock behind the hammers.on the top of the lug there is also what looks like a small js stamp. double triggers, well caried but shot very little. I was wondering what the shield is? and any other info on this gun would be great [ two pat. on lock 1866 and 1875 ]

[Dean Romig]

14379 is in the book but 14397 is skipped over. The guns listed in the Ser. & ID book in that range are all grade 3 and higher Damascus and Laminated barrels.

Where did you find the 14397, on the water table, barrel flat or the side of the barrel lug?

[robert schnoering]

hi dean thanks for answering. the serial # on the barrel is on the side of the lug and pat date is on the right side of the flat on the barrel. grade mark on the watertable looks like a ' U '

[Dean Romig]

Robert, I have Parker No. 14056 whuch also has the "U" stamp on the left water table. Unfortunately, the U in the cases of these earlier Dollar Grade guns designates the action type which is "Underlifter". Mine happens to be, I believe, a $150 grade as its features, level of engraving and checkering, skeleton butt plate, Circassian walnut and Laminated Steel barrels all seem to indicate it being the predecessor to the Grade 3 guns.

What features does yours have? What barrel steel is marked on the top rib?

Can you post pictures here or can you email pictures?

[robert schnoering]

my camara is worthless on that close a picture. barrel is marked dammascas steel. it is an underlifter. but plate is sold steel. I will see if I can get some pics